Step Voucher Program: Difference between revisions
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(added notes about STEP grant/voucher following my call with Nicole G. in Commerce.) |
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=== Application | The Export Voucher is a federal program administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce to help small business gain a foothold in international markets. | ||
[https://oedc.my.site.com/Grantsapplication/s/step-voucher-program Application Link] | |||
The program is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s "'''S'''tate '''T'''rade '''E'''xpansion '''P'''rogram" and is also referred to as a '''STEP''' Voucher or a '''STEP''' grant. The state typically awards qualifying companies $2,000 to attend a game convention where there is significant international trade opportunities. | |||
The full description of the program is here: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/business-loans/export-voucher-program/ | |||
Some notable points: | |||
* You must apply and be approved BEFORE you start spending money | |||
* You receive the funds as a reimbursement. Make sure to save receipts and show proof of payment. No invoices w/o confirmation of payment accepted. | |||
* Approval time ranges from 2-4 weeks | |||
* The voucher '''does not''' cover hotel / lodging fees, food, ground transportation, immunizations, cell phone coverage, e-Sims, business meetings with alcohol, printing costs. | |||
* The voucher will pay for translation of marketing materials and shipment of product samples | |||
* The voucher can cover international meeting costs (like food or event booking) but there cannot be alcohol on the receipt. Make sure to pay for alcohol separately as it is not covered. | |||
* The voucher can cover design or translation costs of marketing your product to a new marketing in a new language. This does not include printing costs. | |||
* You will need to Aquire a UEI Number to apply (or DUNS but a UEI is easier) | |||
* They favor companies who manufacture their products domestically | |||
* You can apply and receive the STEP grant 3 times in one year and receive up to a maximum of $10,000 | |||
=== Application === | |||
Export Voucher [https://oedc.my.site.com/Grantsapplication/s/step-voucher-program Application Link] | |||
==== DUNS or UEI Number: ==== | ==== DUNS or UEI Number: ==== | ||
Latest revision as of 21:41, 25 July 2024
The Export Voucher is a federal program administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce to help small business gain a foothold in international markets.
The program is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s "State Trade Expansion Program" and is also referred to as a STEP Voucher or a STEP grant. The state typically awards qualifying companies $2,000 to attend a game convention where there is significant international trade opportunities.
The full description of the program is here: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/business-loans/export-voucher-program/
Some notable points:
- You must apply and be approved BEFORE you start spending money
- You receive the funds as a reimbursement. Make sure to save receipts and show proof of payment. No invoices w/o confirmation of payment accepted.
- Approval time ranges from 2-4 weeks
- The voucher does not cover hotel / lodging fees, food, ground transportation, immunizations, cell phone coverage, e-Sims, business meetings with alcohol, printing costs.
- The voucher will pay for translation of marketing materials and shipment of product samples
- The voucher can cover international meeting costs (like food or event booking) but there cannot be alcohol on the receipt. Make sure to pay for alcohol separately as it is not covered.
- The voucher can cover design or translation costs of marketing your product to a new marketing in a new language. This does not include printing costs.
- You will need to Aquire a UEI Number to apply (or DUNS but a UEI is easier)
- They favor companies who manufacture their products domestically
- You can apply and receive the STEP grant 3 times in one year and receive up to a maximum of $10,000
Application
Export Voucher Application Link
DUNS or UEI Number:
DUNS application website (free option takes up to 30 business days)
UEI application website The best option if you don't have a number already. Government run program to help vet recipients of federal funds. takes about 10-20 min to complete. You have to both apply for the number then register your organization which includes giving them tax and banking info.
NAICS Code:
339930 (recommended for the tabletop industry)